Patriots Sign RB Trayveon Williams, Release DT Eric Johnson II

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced on Wednesday afternoon the signing of running back Trayveon Williams as a free agent. Williams, 28, joins the team after spending six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Patriots did not disclose the terms of Williams’ contract, but they did announce the release of defensive tackle Eric Johnson II to make room on the roster. Johnson, 26, was claimed off waivers from Indianapolis last year.

Drafted by the Bengals as a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, Williams played in 68 regular season games, recording 62 rushing attempts for 307 yards and 15 receptions for 74 yards. He has also showcased his speed on special teams, returning 33 kicks for 743 yards, averaging 22.5 yards per return.

Last season, Williams played all 17 games for the Bengals, primarily contributing on special teams. He completed 10 offensive snaps but was a core special teams player, participating in 294 snaps in that role.

Eric Johnson, who joined the Patriots last year, played 11 games and logged 17 total tackles after being claimed off waivers. He was originally drafted in the fifth round by the Colts.

With the addition of Williams, the Patriots’ running back depth now includes Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, Terrell Jennings, Lan Larison, and rookie TreVeyon Henderson.

Williams aims to make an impact in New England’s robust special teams unit that ranked second in the NFL last year.